The Students Activist Support Centre (SASC) employs temporary relocation as a critical protective measure to mitigate the multifaceted risks faced by student Human Rights Defenders (HRDs). As outlined in the “Commentary to Declaration on defenders,” these individuals are frequently subjected to stigmatization, prosecution, violence, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms, necessitating robust protective strategies.
Specifically, temporary relocation serves to address the following challenges:
- Mitigation of Threats and Violence: By physically removing student HRDs from environments where they face imminent danger, SASC disrupts the immediate threat posed by state or non-state actors. This action directly counters the “violent responses” and intimidation detailed in the Makerere University study, as well as the excessive use of force highlighted in the “Commentary.”
- Circumvention of Judicial Harassment and Prosecution: Temporary relocation can provide a period of respite from judicial harassment and the criminalization of activities. By moving individuals away from the immediate reach of authorities, SASC creates a space where legal strategies can be developed, and international support can be mobilized, thereby countering the issue of defenders being detained without charge.
- Protection from Stigmatization and Isolation: Relocation to a secure environment can offer a temporary refuge from the psychological and social isolation that accompanies stigmatization. This allows student HRDs to maintain their mental well-being and continue their advocacy work without the immediate pressure of negative labeling.
- Safeguarding against Restrictions on Fundamental Freedoms: When fundamental freedoms such as assembly and expression are curtailed, relocation to a secure location can provide a space where these freedoms can be exercised safely. This is particularly relevant in cases where university closures or other state actions are used to suppress student voices, such as the 2016 Makerere University closure.
- Addressing the Lack of Adequate Protection: Recognizing the limitations of state-provided protection, SASC’s temporary relocation offers a tailored, immediate, and potentially gender-sensitive alternative. This approach addresses the “Commentary’s” concern regarding the inefficiency and lack of sustainability of certain protection programs.
- Facilitating Access to International Bodies: In cases where student HRDs face restrictions on communicating with international bodies, temporary relocation can enable them to safely report on human rights violations. This is crucial for alerting the international community and mobilizing support, aligning with the rights underscored in the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
In essence, SASC’s utilization of temporary relocation acts as a proactive and responsive strategy to protect student HRDs from a range of interconnected threats. By providing a secure environment, SASC enables these individuals to continue their vital work while mitigating the risks associated with their activism.